Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Magazine February 2014 Back Issue

This month the emerging and overwhelming topic is space. First is a kitchen project where the owners have so much space – in a vast barn conversion – that it requires utterly careful handling to realise the full potential. See Double Vision (page 24) to discover how they found the perfect solution. Then in East Coast Cool (see page 42) the owner’s passion for New England interiors has led them to re-plan their entire house to enhance the feeling of space. This included knocking the utility room, garage and existing kitchen together to make sure there was room for their dream kitchen. Slavish attention to detail has certainly meant they have created the light-filled and stylish result they desired. (I too have been a long-time fan of the interiors in this particular Nancy Meyers movie!) Then there is our special investigative feature on basements, Digging Deep (page 94). The abiding reason for excavating an entire floor below the ground is clearly the desire for more space, but how can you transform what has always been thought of as a dark and dank underground area to a beautiful living zone that people want to congregate in? By seeking expert advice and thinking
outside of the box, by adding glass walls that solicit the light to cascade down, by using architectural details that make the space interesting as well as practical. Returning above ground, we focus on a talented American architect who has transformed a tired ranch house into a state-of-the -art living space – at once taking us back to nature yet still with an enduring sense of comfort. The application of clerestory windows allows light to flood in wherever the sun may be, thus creating a feeling of tranquility and space. Turn over to Architect Designed Kitchen (page 64) and see the impressive bathroom on page 120. As this theme emerged it got me to thinking that a successful scheme is one that marries two strong desires – creating a sense of airiness and space, but without compromising on comfort. Enjoy!